The Challenge: Colorado’s Financial Services Talent Crisis The financial services sector in Colorado faces an unprecedented talent shortage. With job skill requirements evolving rapidly and expected to change by 41% in 2025, banks are struggling to find qualified candidates who can meet their current and future needs. For Colorado financial institutions, particularly community banks like Alpine Bank, this talent gap threatens their ability to serve diverse communities effectively and maintain competitiveness in an increasingly digital marketplace. A Legacy of Internal Development Alpine Bank led the way as the inaugural partner of the Career Accelerator Fellowship, bringing decades of experience in developing talent from within. As Regional President Matt Teeters explains, “20 years ago, I personally started with the bank in the bank’s Officer Trainee Program. This program allowed me to learn all areas of the bank, from operations to lending, and with a personal desire to find proficiency in each of these different areas, I’ve been able to ascend from the role of trainee to regional president.” This culture of internal development made Alpine Bank the perfect founding partner for a program designed to identify promising talent who could grow within the organization. The Fellowship extends this proven approach by providing structured support and training that accelerates career progression while ensuring candidates develop the specific skills needed in today’s financial landscape. A Powerful Partnership with Significant Benefits The Fellowship has achieved an important milestone by becoming a Registered Apprenticeship in partnership with the Boulder Chamber. This designation unlocks powerful financial incentives through Colorado’s New and Emerging Industries Apprenticeship Tax Credit (HB24-1439), allowing participating banks to offset program costs completely. As Matt Wiggins, associate VP of economic vitality for the Chamber, explains, “The more employers involved, the stronger these programs become.” With potential tax benefits of up to $126,000 in a single year, financial institutions can invest in talent development while simultaneously reducing their tax burden — creating a compelling business case for participation. How the Fellowship Works The Career Accelerator Fellowship operates through a comprehensive four-stage process: 1. Source and Screen: Watson Institute identifies high-potential job seekers across the Front Range who are committed to building careers within the financial industry. Candidates are screened based on career aspirations, relevant experience and employment barriers. 2. Prepare: Selected candidates join Watson Institute’s Talent Pool and receive personalized career coaching focused on career clarity, networking, personal branding and interview preparedness. In 2023, Watson Institute launched the Career Accelerator Fellowship with a strategic mission: to identify, develop and place high-potential talent in leadership-track roles at Colorado financial institutions facing critical workforce shortages. Addressing the widening gap between rapidly evolving industry demands and available skillsets, the fellowship provides a comprehensive solution that transforms qualified candidates into long-term financial professionals. By focusing on both technical expertise and professional development, Watson Institute created an innovative pathway that simultaneously solves employers’ pressing talent needs while accelerating career trajectories for ambitious job seekers. Bridging Colorado’s Financial Talent Gap THE WATSON INSTITUTE CAREER ACCELERATOR FELLOWSHIP Colorado Banker 10
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